Caries means demineralization with the formation of cavities and pulp symptoms and necrosis as an end result. The acids in the mouth are mainly produced by oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans from bacterial biofilms adhering to the tooth. Ozone has been shown to have a very strong bactericidal effect on bacteria causing dental caries. Baysan et al reported that there was a statistically significant reduction of streptococci in root caries lesions and saliva samples after ozone application. The positive clinical effect of ozone with respect to arresting caries progression and the remineralization of caries has been shown in vitro and in vivo. In an in vivo study, Baysan and Lynch found that the application of ozone resulted in a significant reduction of bacterial contamination as well as a reduction in size and severity of root caries lesions. In a subsequent study, Baysan and Lynch reported that the severity of root caries lesions was significantly reduced after ozone application as measured by electrical conductance and laser fluorescence. In several studies, the caries reducing effect of ozone was measured with biochemical methods in root surface caries lesions, the biofilm and saliva after ozone application. See Citation section for references.

The objectives of this multi-center clinical study were to determine: (1) the effectiveness of the HealOzone in stopping the progression of fissure caries; and (2) the oral soft tissue safety of the ozone system.

ICDAS Severity Value [ Time Frame: Baseline and One Year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Clinically significant changes indicating caries progression are defined as changes in ICDAS severity values from 1 or 2 to a 3 or higher, or from a 3 or 4 to a 5 or higher. The severity criteria are as follows:

0 = Sound tooth surface.

= First visual change in enamel.

= Distinct visual change in enamel.

= Localized enamel breakdown due to caries with no visible dentin.

= Underlying dark shadow from dentin, with or without localized enamel breakdown.

= Distinct cavity with visible dentin.

= Extensive distinct cavity with visible dentin.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Change in Caries Lesion Activity [ Time Frame: Baseline and one year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Change in caries lesion activity at One Year. All teeth were considered Active at Baseline

Caries Lesion Activity score:

= Inactive - surface of enamel appears whitish, brownish or black. Enamel may be shiny and feels hard and smooth when the tip of the probe is moved gently across the surface.

= Active lesion - surface of enamel appears whitish/yellowish opaque with loss of luster. The surface feels rough when the tip of the probe is moved gently across the surface.

Progression of Radiographic Scores at 12 Months [ Time Frame: one year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Clinically significant changes for Bitewing x-rays indicating caries progression would be changes in x-ray criterion for lesion presence from "no" to "yes" or for lesion depth to a D1 or higher. The occlusal surface of study teeth will be evaluated using the following scale:

Laser Fluorescence Progression-12 Month (Increase From <=20 to >=30) [ Time Frame: one year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

The change in DIAGNOdent measurements between baseline and twelve-month visits was used as an additional secondary endpoint. Clinically significant changes for DIAGNOdent indicating caries progression would be an increase in DIAGNOdent reading of 10 or more units or an increase in DIAGNOdent reading from below 20 to above 30 units. DIAGNOdent reading using a scale from 00 to 99, with 00 indicating no caries activity and 99 indicating a high level of activity.

The change in DIAGNOdent measurements between baseline and twelve-month visits was used as an additional secondary endpoint. Clinically significant changes for DIAGNOdent indicating caries progression would be an increase in DIAGNOdent reading of 10 or more units. DIAGNOdent reading using a scale from 00 to 99, with 00 indicating no caries activity and 99 indicating a high level of activity.

1. provide written informed consent, HIPAA authorization and medical history information prior to their participation; 2. be between the ages of 10 and 40 years of age; 3. if female and of childbearing potential, agree to:

a urine pregnancy test, which must be negative;

use one form of medically accepted contraceptive measures which include oral contraceptives, condom, or diaphragm with spermicide, Intra Uterine Device (IUD), Depo-Provera, Norplant during the study and for at least 30 days after the last treatment. (Females who are post menopausal, i.e. amenorrhea for the previous 12 months, or surgically sterile may be included.) 4. be in good general health as evidenced by a review of the medical history; 5. have good oral health; 6. agree to comply with all subjects' responsibilities as stated in the protocol (e.g. attendance at appointments, turning off of cell phone during appointment, etc.); and 7. have two posterior (molar or premolar) teeth with active fissure caries as defined by ICDAS severity score between 1 and 4, a caries lesion activity score of 2, and with radiographic evidence indicating that there is no extension past the dentinal enamel junction. Lesions within the same subject ideally should have the same ICDAS criterion; however, the following deviations will be acceptable - teeth with ICDAS criterion 1 paired with a 2, and a 3 paired with a 4.

orthodontic appliances that interfere with access to selected study teeth;

pregnant or nursing.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00495495